Majority of people who socialise in Dublin would like to see later opening - LVA
James Cox
Three out of every four people who socialise in Dublin would like to see later opening times, according to new research undertaken on behalf of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA).
A total of 76 per cent said they would support a new nightclub licence that allows opening until 4.30am. This would be a change from the current cut off point of 2.30am.
Almost 8 out of 10 people (78 per cent) aged 18-34 would support such a measure, 76 per cent of the 35 – 54 age group as well as 2 out of 3 (65 per cent) from those aged 55+.
One in every two people who socialise also say that more nightclubs are needed in the capital. A total of 48 per cent believe there should be more nightclubs, while 50 per cent want to see more late bars and 55 per cent want more dance venues.
Three out of four people also believe it is positive for customers that pubs and nightclubs are allowed to open beyond 2.30am in other countries and cities. Dublin’s 2.30am closing for nightclubs is the earliest closing time for any capital city in the EU.
Almost 7 out of 10 (68 per cent) also believe that nightlife is better in cities like Barcelona, Berlin and Paris because nightclubs can stay open later in those cities.
The research was conducted by Red C, the independent market research agency. A total of 510 people took part, using people who socialise at least once per month in Dublin.
Speaking about the research, Donall O’Keeffe, chief executive of the LVA, said: "There is a strong desire for later opening times amongst people who socialise and this survey proves it. They don’t like the current 2.30am closing times for late bars and nightclubs, which represent the earliest closing times in the EU. That is even more apparent amongst younger people, with almost 8 out of 10 people between 18 and 34 wanting later opening and 3 out of 4 people in the 35 to 54 age range also supporting such a change.
“Despite this support, the Government seems determined to maintain outdated opening times for late bars and nightclubs in this country. This leaves us as the outlier in Europe in terms of closing times and it also is not in keeping with modern socialising habits in this country. When nightclubs close it doesn’t mean socialising ends. Many people look to continue their socialising at house parties and the likes for several hours after they’ve left the clubs."
He added: “The Government knows all this, which is why they proposed introducing later closing as far back as 2022. The legislation to support that change has been ready for publication since 2024 and they recommitted to it in the latest Programme for Government. Yet there has been no indication they will actually make this a reality.
“We are calling on the Minister for Justice and the Government to bring in later closing times for late bars and nightclubs. Government views on this issue may be stuck in the last century, but public attitudes to this topic have moved on. It is time for closing times to be extended and for the law to support modern social habits."
